Understanding and practicing proper greeting etiquette is crucial when interacting with Koreans, as it reflects respect and cultural awareness. This guide covers the essential expressions and cultural norms associated with Korean greetings (인사 예절, in-sa ye-jeol), helping you make a positive first impression in various social and professional settings.
Table Of Content
Core Concept
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Expression: 한국식 인사 예절
Pronunciation: han-guk-sik in-sa ye-jeol
Meaning: Korean-style greeting etiquette (The overall concept of how greetings are performed in Korea)
Essential Greetings
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Expression: 안녕하세요
Pronunciation: ahn-nyeong-ha-se-yo
Meaning: Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening (Formal and most common greeting) -
Expression: 안녕하십니까
Pronunciation: ahn-nyeong-ha-shim-ni-kka
Meaning: Hello (Very formal, often used in official settings or addressing a large audience) -
Expression: 안녕
Pronunciation: ahn-nyeong
Meaning: Hi / Bye (Informal, used with close friends or those younger) -
Expression: 만나서 반갑습니다
Pronunciation: man-na-seo ban-gap-seum-ni-da
Meaning: Nice to meet you (Formal) -
Expression: 만나서 반가워요
Pronunciation: man-na-seo ban-ga-wo-yo
Meaning: Nice to meet you (Polite, slightly less formal than -seumnida) -
Expression: 처음 뵙겠습니다
Pronunciation: cheo-eum boep-get-seum-ni-da
Meaning: How do you do? / It’s a pleasure to meet you for the first time (Very formal) -
Expression: 잘 부탁드립니다
Pronunciation: jal bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da
Meaning: Please take good care of me / I look forward to working with you (Formal, used when starting a new relationship/project) -
Expression: 안녕히 가세요
Pronunciation: ahn-nyeong-hi ga-se-yo
Meaning: Goodbye (Formal, said to someone who is leaving) -
Expression: 안녕히 계세요
Pronunciation: ahn-nyeong-hi gye-se-yo
Meaning: Goodbye (Formal, said when you are leaving and the other person is staying) -
Expression: 잘 가
Pronunciation: jal ga
Meaning: Bye (Informal, said to someone leaving) -
Expression: 잘 있어
Pronunciation: jal i-sseo
Meaning: Bye (Informal, said when you are leaving)
Understanding Bowing
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Expression: 인사하다
Pronunciation: in-sa-ha-da
Meaning: To greet / To bow -
Expression: 고개를 숙이다
Pronunciation: go-gae-reul su-gi-da
Meaning: To bow one’s head -
Expression: 허리를 굽히다
Pronunciation: heo-ri-reul gu-pi-da
Meaning: To bend at the waist (for a deeper bow) -
Expression: 목례하다
Pronunciation: mong-nye-ha-da
Meaning: To give a slight nod (Informal bow) -
Expression: 정중하게 인사하다
Pronunciation: jeong-jung-ha-ge in-sa-ha-da
Meaning: To greet politely / To bow respectfully -
Expression: 90도로 인사하다
Pronunciation: gu-ship-do-ro in-sa-ha-da
Meaning: To bow at a 90-degree angle (Very formal, showing deep respect or apology) -
Expression: 악수하다
Pronunciation: ak-su-ha-da
Meaning: To shake hands -
Expression: 명함을 교환하다
Pronunciation: myeong-ham-eul gyo-hwan-ha-da
Meaning: To exchange business cards -
Expression: 두 손으로 드리다
Pronunciation: du son-eu-ro deu-ri-da
Meaning: To give with two hands (Shows respect when giving/receiving items, including business cards) -
Expression: 두 손으로 받다
Pronunciation: du son-eu-ro bat-da
Meaning: To receive with two hands
Making Introductions
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Expression: 제 이름은 [이름]입니다
Pronunciation: je i-reum-eun [i-reum]-im-ni-da
Meaning: My name is [Name] (Formal) -
Expression: 저는 [이름]이라고 합니다
Pronunciation: jeo-neun [i-reum]-i-ra-go ham-ni-da
Meaning: I am called [Name] (Formal, common in introductions) -
Expression: [회사 이름]에서 온 [이름]입니다
Pronunciation: [hoe-sa i-reum]-e-seo on [i-reum]-im-ni-da
Meaning: I am [Name] from [Company Name] -
Expression: 이쪽은 [이름] 씨입니다
Pronunciation: i-jjok-eun [i-reum] sshi-im-ni-da
Meaning: This is Mr./Ms. [Name] (Introducing someone else) -
Expression: 성함이 어떻게 되세요?
Pronunciation: seong-ham-i eo-tteo-ke doe-se-yo?
Meaning: What is your name? (Polite/Formal) -
Expression: 이름이 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: i-reum-i mwo-ye-yo?
Meaning: What is your name? (Standard polite) -
Expression: 어느 나라에서 오셨어요?
Pronunciation: eo-neu na-ra-e-seo o-syeot-seo-yo?
Meaning: Which country are you from? (Polite) -
Expression: 무슨 일 하세요?
Pronunciation: mu-seun il ha-se-yo?
Meaning: What kind of work do you do? / What is your job? (Polite) -
Expression: 만나 뵙게 되어 영광입니다
Pronunciation: man-na boep-ge doe-eo yeong-gwang-im-ni-da
Meaning: It’s an honor to meet you (Very formal) -
Expression: 말씀 많이 들었습니다
Pronunciation: mal-sseum ma-ni deu-reot-seum-ni-da
Meaning: I’ve heard a lot about you (Formal and polite)
Korean Culture Notes
The Importance of Bowing: Bowing (인사, in-sa) is fundamental to Korean greetings. The depth of the bow signifies the level of respect. A slight nod (목례, mong-nye) is for casual encounters or equals, while deeper bows (bending at the waist) are for elders, superiors, or formal situations. Always bow when saying 안녕하세요 (ahn-nyeong-ha-se-yo) in formal contexts.
Age and Hierarchy: Korean society places significant emphasis on age and social status. It’s crucial to use formal language (존댓말, jon-daen-mal) and show deference to those older or in higher positions. This includes bowing lower and using more formal titles and expressions.
Eye Contact: While direct eye contact is common in Western cultures during greetings, prolonged direct eye contact can sometimes be seen as confrontational or disrespectful in Korea, especially when interacting with elders or superiors. It’s common to slightly lower your gaze during a formal bow.
Handshakes and Business Cards: Handshakes are common, especially in business settings, often accompanying a bow. When shaking hands with someone senior, it’s polite to support your right forearm with your left hand. Business cards (명함, myeong-ham) are exchanged formally, using two hands to give and receive, and taking a moment to read the card before putting it away.
Using Two Hands: Showing respect often involves using two hands when giving or receiving items, not just business cards but also gifts or documents, especially when interacting with someone older or senior.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Mr. Kim is meeting Mr. Smith, a foreign business partner, for the first time at the office.
Roles: A: Mr. Kim (Korean host), B: Mr. Smith (Foreign visitor)
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Expression: A: 안녕하십니까, 스미스 씨. 처음 뵙겠습니다. 저는 김민준입니다.
Pronunciation: ahn-nyeong-ha-shim-ni-kka, seu-mi-seu sshi. cheo-eum boep-get-seum-ni-da. jeo-neun gim-min-jun-im-ni-da.
Meaning: A: Hello, Mr. Smith. It’s a pleasure to meet you for the first time. I am Kim Minjun. (Mr. Kim bows formally) -
Expression: B: 아, 안녕하십니까, 김민준 씨. 만나서 반갑습니다. 저는 존 스미스입니다.
Pronunciation: a, ahn-nyeong-ha-shim-ni-kka, gim-min-jun sshi. man-na-seo ban-gap-seum-ni-da. jeo-neun jon seu-mi-seu-im-ni-da.
Meaning: B: Ah, hello, Mr. Kim. Nice to meet you. I am John Smith. (Mr. Smith returns the bow, perhaps slightly less deep, and offers a handshake) -
Expression: A: 네, 반갑습니다. 말씀 많이 들었습니다. 이쪽으로 앉으시죠.
Pronunciation: ne, ban-gap-seum-ni-da. mal-sseum ma-ni deu-reot-seum-ni-da. i-jjok-eu-ro an-jeu-si-jyo.
Meaning: A: Yes, it’s nice to meet you too. I’ve heard a lot about you. Please have a seat this way. (Mr. Kim accepts the handshake, supporting his right arm with his left hand) -
Expression: B: 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: B: Thank you. -
Expression: A: 제 명함입니다.
Pronunciation: je myeong-ham-im-ni-da.
Meaning: A: Here is my business card. (Mr. Kim offers his card with two hands) -
Expression: B: 아, 감사합니다. 여기 제 명함입니다.
Pronunciation: a, gam-sa-ham-ni-da. yeo-gi je myeong-ham-im-ni-da.
Meaning: B: Ah, thank you. Here is my card. (Mr. Smith receives with two hands and offers his own, also with two hands if possible or with the right hand supported by the left)
Practice Tips
Mastering Korean greeting etiquette takes practice! Start by using 안녕하세요 (ahn-nyeong-ha-se-yo) and a slight bow in appropriate situations~ Observe how Koreans greet each other in different contexts – pay attention to the bow depth and language formality. Don’t be afraid to use formal expressions like 처음 뵙겠습니다 (cheo-eum boep-get-seum-ni-da) and 만나서 반갑습니다 (man-na-seo ban-gap-seum-ni-da) when meeting someone new, especially if they appear older or in a professional setting. Practicing these greetings will show respect and help you navigate social interactions smoothly in Korea!
